Saudi Arabia blamed an unnamed foreign power for stirring up strife in its oil-rich Eastern Province, saying that 14 people had been injured.

"A foreign country is trying to undermine national security by inciting strife in (the city of) Al-Qatif," Saudi state television quoted the Interior Ministry as saying.

Of the total injured, 11 were security personnel and 3 were civilians, according to the statement.

The reference to a foreign country meddling is usually a coded reference to Iran. - Reuters